Santa Fe Sheriff's Office releases 551-page police report on 'rust'

More than a year after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died on the set of 'Rust,' investigators on Friday released her comprehensive police report containing evidence, call logs and interviews with key members of the film detailing everything leading up to the fatal accident.

In total, the document released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office and obtained by IndieWire is a 551-page binder, the first time such a document has been made public in its entirety. He details the police response to the shooting, in which actor and producer Alec Baldwin held the gun which discharged while containing live ammunition, killing Hutchins and injuring the 'Rust' director Joel Souza.

The documents also provide additional details about filming conditions leading up to the accident, in which it was reported that there were other weapons misfires during production. On the day of the fatal accident, October 21, 2021, six members of the team had already left the set because of their concerns.

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Last month, the sheriff's office turned over the full police report to the New Mexico district attorney, although charges have yet to be filed in the case. In August, the prosecutor asked the state for $635,000 to treat up to four people involved in the case, but only received half that amount.

A representative for DA Mary Carmack-Altwies had no comment except to refer to the previous statement released upon receipt of the police report, saying they "will make a considered and timely decision on the opportunity to bring charges". No update on a timeline of when to expect a fee was provided.

The story of "Rust" has accelerated in recent weeks, first as a result of Baldwin suing the film's gunsmith and other crew members for negligence, but also because of news of a planned documentary about Hutchins that will investigate the events of her death. Baldwin also recently settled a civil lawsuit with Hutchins' estate and widower, in which it was revealed the producers still intended to finish production on "Rust." It is still unclear where production on the film will resume, although it has been reported that it will not continue filming in New Mexico.

Baldwin's lawsuit, which took place last week in a countersuit originally filed by the film's script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, claimed that Baldwin lost work and other opportunities at the following the filming and seeks compensation for legal damages arising from the Mitchell case.

"There is no doubt that others suffered much more from the neglect of the Crusader Defendants than Baldwin. Hutchins lost his life and his young child lost his mother. The Producer Joel Souza was shot in the shoulder and suffered physical and emotional pain," Baldwin's attorney said last week. "While by no means comparable, Baldwin must live with the immense grief and resulting emotional, physical and financial toll caused by the negligent driving, reassurances and supervision of the counter-defendants putting a loaded gun in his hand and bringing him, Hutchins and everyone else onto the plateau to believe that his directed use of the weapon was safe. More than anyone else on this set, Baldwin was mistakenly considered the author of this tragedy."

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